Poyet speaks of Valley welcome after being named Charlton's player of the year

The young midfielder’s emergence has been a bright point of what has been a difficult season for the Addicks and the 19-year-old was full of praise for the entire club.

Poyet said: “Everyone has been brilliant, from the players to the staff.

“The big thing is how easy they’ve made it for me to be involved with the team, right from the very start they’ve been a massive boost.”

“Even when I wasn’t involved and I was just travelling with the squad, they all welcomed me with open arms and have just been fantastic.”

Poyet also took time to pay tribute to the fans for their backing.

He explained: “Since I’ve come in the fans have been simply unbelievable, both on and off the pitch.

“I make sure I read all their messages on social media. I really appreciate everything they do and the support they give both myself and the team.

“I take it all on board and knowing that they’re fully behind me pushes me on to succeed just that little bit more.

“We all know how important it was for the club to stay up, that was the be all and end all for the season.

“Now we’ve done that it’s absolutely brilliant, and there’s no doubt the fans pushed us over that line.”

Poyet made his senior debut away to Oxford in the FA Cup back in January and has been a regular ever since.

He added: “I appreciate how highly everyone rates me.

“All I can say is thank you to everyone.

“You’ve all helped me and the 20 odd games I’ve played in have been amazing.”

Meanwhile, Addicks captain Johnnie Jackson hailed the Charlton spirit at the awards as the reason for his side’s Championship survival.

It has been a tough year for everyone in SE7 with a takeover, managerial change and battle against relegation to endure which was only ended in the penultimate game by beating Watford 3-1 at The Valley last Tuesday.

But despite the struggles Jackson, who has been with the club for four seasons, was full of praise for his team-mates.

The skipper said: “I want to thank everyone, it’s been a tough season and there hasn’t really been a lot to shout about.

“At times during the campaign it has been really difficult, but in the end the Charlton spirit shone through and I’m so proud to be the captain of this great club.

“They’re an absolutely wonderful bunch of players - and it’s an honour to be a part of them and be able to lead them out onto the field.

“Hard work, endeavor, and ability all prevailed for us this season.”

He added: “We had really dark times, everyone knows it, but we stuck together as one.

“To be able to celebrate survival is a wonderful achievement given everything that’s happened during the year.

“It’s fair to say it’s all been well-documented, but at the end of it all we’ve reached our objective.

“For me to have been able even just a small part of all of it, makes me a very proud man.”

Jackson was equally full of praise for the fans for their constant backing and support during a difficult nine months.

He said: “The support throughout the season, both positive and negative, is all appreciated.

“We realise the fans have to sit through everything, all the ups and downs, and it makes the highs so much better.

“Moments like the ones here at The Valley against QPR and Bournemouth are wonderful and memorable moments for the fans and players alike, making them that extra bit special.

“I can’t thank everyone enough, a massive team effort from everyone has seen us get over the line this season.”

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